Former Vicksburg resident sentenced for killing two women in Texas

Former Vicksburg resident Jacques Smith has been sentenced for killing two women at a Texas A&M University student dorm in 2020.

Smith pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced to life plus 35 years in prison. He was accused of murdering his former girlfriend, Abbaney Matts, 20, and her sister, Deja Matts, 19. Abbaney’s 2-year-old son was wounded in the attack but survived.

Sisters Abbaney Matts and Deja Matts

“We are grateful that this case was resolved with the defendant receiving very significant prison sentences and that the family will not have to go through the process of a murder trial,” Hunt County District Attorney Noble Walker said. “The State was prepared to proceed to trial in June. However, the defendant indicated he would agree to plead guilty to two counts of murder with sentences of life in prison plus 35 years in prison and this resolution was accepted by Abbaney and Deja’s family as well as the State.  Since the sentences will be served consecutively, the defendant will be required to complete his first sentence prior to starting his second sentence.”

Smith was also charged with capital murder in the death of Steven Daniels on December 31, 2019, in Denton, Texas. Three other Vicksburg natives, Earnest Rogers, Anfernee Rader, and Jaylin Hargrove, were all indicted in the case.